KALINGALAN CALUANG, Sulu — The sustained implementation of the Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community (RFGFPCC) Campaign continues to gain ground in Sulu following the voluntary surrender of a high-powered firearm in Kalingalan Caluang on August 20, 2026.
At around 9:00 a.m., troops from Alpha Company of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, led by 1st Lt. Tom Troy B. Tanzo, facilitated the voluntary handover of one M203 grenade launcher by a civilian in Barangay Pangdan Pangdan. The firearm was subsequently placed under the custody of Alpha Company, 21IB, for proper documentation and safekeeping.
Lt. Col. Ronald Borras, commanding officer of the 21IB, said the surrender was the result of sustained community engagement and close coordination among the military, Philippine National Police, local government units, barangay officials, and other community stakeholders. The effort forms part of the campaign to maintain Kalingalan Caluang as a Rido-Free, Gun-Free, and Peace-Centered Community.
The latest surrender brings to 236 the total number of high- and low-powered firearms recovered by the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade and its subordinate units since January 1, 2026. Military officials said the continuing recovery of loose firearms is a critical component of efforts to prevent weapons from being used in rido, criminal activities, and other incidents that could threaten the peace and security of communities.
Borras emphasized that the cooperation of residents and local leaders demonstrates a growing community commitment to keeping firearms out of situations that could trigger violence. The voluntary surrender also highlights the importance of community-based approaches in addressing the presence of loose firearms, particularly in areas where clan conflicts or rido can quickly escalate when weapons are readily available.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, commended the 21IB, partner agencies, local government officials, and community stakeholders for their continuing support of the RFGFPCC Campaign.
“The recovery of 236 firearms since January is more than a numerical accomplishment. Each firearm removed from our communities reduces the potential for violence, prevents the escalation of rido, and strengthens our collective effort to preserve the peace we have worked hard to achieve,” Delos Santos said.
He stressed that the campaign follows an LGU-led, Security Sector-Supported, and Community-Based approach, placing local leaders and residents at the center of efforts to sustain peace while security forces provide support for law enforcement, conflict prevention, and community security initiatives.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade said it will continue working with its subordinate units, partner agencies, local governments, and communities to recover loose firearms, facilitate the peaceful settlement of rido, strengthen community engagement, and support law enforcement operations.
The military said these efforts are aimed not only at removing firearms from circulation but also at protecting the peace gains already achieved in Sulu and creating safer conditions for communities to pursue development and progress.